Doing a search for replacing clutch due to slipping and I've come across quite a few threads where some people have claimed that some/part/any part within the hydraulic system (MC, line, SC) could lead to a situation where the clutch would slip.

How is that possible? Any insights?

 

The clutch disc works through friction, like a brake disc and rotor. If its soaked with oil, its going to slip and not have as much friction capability as its supposed to. It could also slip if the friction material is worn down too much.

 

The only place I could think of that oil could get near the flywheel would be the rear main seal, and from what I've read in the past, that seems to be an impossible source for oil on the flywheel...

dunno...

 

THere is a line from the clutch master cylinder to the slave cylinder which is mounted on the tranny. Also, if the rear main seal is leaking, the oil ain't going to just drip, Its going to come out under pressure cause the shaft and flywheel are hauling *** in a circle. The once the oil is out, it doesn't have anywhere to go besides the tranny bell housing. Also the tranny input shaft has a seal that couldl leak too. Nothing is impossible.....

 

Could also be not the hydraulic fluid, but the mechanical action of the hydraulic system. My '88 SE had a problem where the clutch, which was otherwise fine, would slip under hard acceleration in 4th and 5th gears. Turned out to be the slave cylinder hanging up, not returning to its fully "off" position, but not leaking. Put on a new one, and it was perfect.